Historical Marker

Wilson Chapel Cemetery

Marker installed: 2009

John Riley Sadberry moved from Burleson County and settled in the Benchley area ca. 1896. Because of his desire to establish important social and educational resources for the community's African American population, he purchased property in 1909 for the creation of a school, and also purchased adjacent property in 1919 for a community church and cemetery. The three entities all came to be called "Wilson Chapel," although the origins of the name are unknown.

When the cemetery was established in 1919, Sadberry served as a cemetery trustee, along with Will Sheets and William Kimble. After Sadberry's death in 1926, his son, Heslip Riley Sadberry, continued to oversee the cemetery and donated additional land to the site. The school was reloacted in 1929, and the church congregation moved down the road after World War II. Since that time, the site has been used exclusively by Wilson Chapel Cemetery. Sadberry descendants formed a cemetery association during the late 1960s, and the association continues to oversee the cemetery.

The cemetery was used almost exclusively by tenants or sharecroppers of the Sadberry Farm. Although the cemetery was formally established in 1919, there are no recorded burials at the site prior to 1931. The first known burials were those of sisters Jessie and Bessie Lee (d. 1913), and their graves are unmarked. The oldest marked burial at the site is that oof Janie Dunn, who died in 1940. Wilson Chapel Cemetery serves today as a reminder of the many hard-working individuals whose efforst helped to develop Benchley and Robertson County

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

gravesites African American
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Robertson County, Texas, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was named after Sterling C. Robertson, a prominent empresario, or land agent, who played a significant role in the colonization of the region. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and the Bidai, prior to European settlement.

In 1837, the Texas Congress officially established Robertson County as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth with the influx of settlers from the United States, particularly from southern states such as Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. These settlers primarily relied on agriculture, with cotton becoming a major cash crop in the region.

The county also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the subsequent formation of the Republic of Texas. The Battle of San Jacinto, a decisive battle that secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place just outside the county's borders in April 1836. Several notable figures from Texas history, including Sam Houston, were also closely tied to Robertson County.

Over the years, Robertson County has continued to thrive, with the economy diversifying beyond agriculture. While farming and ranching still remain important industries, the county has also seen growth in manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism sectors. Today, Robertson County is known for its small towns, rural beauty, and historical sites, attracting visitors and residents alike with its charming Southern atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Robertson County, Texas.

  • 1837: Robertson County is established from Milam County.
  • 1846: The first county seat, Springfield, is established.
  • 1854: The county seat is moved to Owensville.
  • 1870: The town of Calvert becomes the county seat.
  • 1873: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Calvert.
  • 1890: The St. Louis Southwestern Railway reaches Hearne.
  • 1925: A portion of Robertson County is used to create Falls County.
  • 1942: Camp Hearne, a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, is established.
  • 1987: The Hearne Southern Pacific depot is added to the National Register of Historic Places.